Mikel, Moses, Apam to miss Venezuela friendly

By Emeka Nwani

Three players will not be part of the Super Eagles team for the Venezuela friendly on Wednesday and wil now be replaced by Gomo Onduku and Bright Dike

Chelsea super stars, John Mikel Obi, Victor Moses and France-based central defender, Onyekachi Apam will not be part of this week’s international friendly between Nigeria and Venezuela in Miami, Florida, United States.

Head coach, Stephen Keshi said Sunday that the trio had different reasons for not being part of the game, but that should not bring fears to Nigerians as capable replacements have already been named for the encounter.

Mikel for instance has family matters to settle bothering on his future as a father, following some domestic accidents.

“Bright Dike, who stars in the [Major League Soccer] for Timberwolves FC has already been invited to play in his stead and we are sure that he will do well in the encounter, especially as he is based in the United States,” Keshi declared.

For Victor Moses, Sharks' Gomo Onduku, who has been in splendid form at the national camp has been drafted in and will be part of the team that will travel Sunday night to Miami, Florida for the encounter against Venezuela.

“I have been there before and we don’t have any grudges against players withdrawing from international friendlies, especially when they are compelled to do that but we want to be told on time so that we can make replacements,” Keshi declared on Sunday morning.

All other players invited for the encounter have since confirmed their early arrival, even as the team jets out Sunday night via Delta Airlines for the game that comes up on Wednesday night in Florida.